Let’s face it. Weddings aren’t cheap. In fact, on average it has been reported that couples spend an average of $25,000 or more on their special day. When you see numbers like that it can be intimidating and even cause you to skip the whole wedding planning process altogether. The reality is, however, you can plan your special day without breaking the bank. It will take some compromise, creativity, and effort, but if you use some of the stylish yet affordable wedding planning advice below, you’re sure to be happy with how it all turns out.

Start With a Budget

One of the best ways to ensure that your wedding planning doesn’t put you in the poor house is to decide upfront how much you have to spend on it. Some people prefer a small wedding while others will want to go all out and might even hire a limo from somewhere like Dream Limousines, Inc (check it out here). However, be realistic when budgeting. Start by looking at your household budget. After you’ve paid your necessary expenses for the month, how much do you have to dedicate to your wedding? You can crunch some numbers and find more money by altering your spending habits if necessary. If you plan on taking out a loan or using a credit card, decide how much you can reasonably afford to repay on a monthly without going over your head in debt.

Find Affordable Solutions for Highest Expenses

There are some things that cost more than others when planning a wedding. If you can find ways to save in those areas, you can stretch your budget further. One costly expense is the venue. Instead of going with a wedding hall or hotel, look into other options like having a wedding at your home or the home of a relative. Another high expense is wedding rings. When selecting bands for the bride and groom go with an alternative like lab diamonds which look just as amazing as traditional diamonds but cost a lot less.

Tap Into Your Creative Zone

If you have a bit of style and creativity of your own, put it to use. Couples save a lot of money on their weddings without sacrificing style by doing some things themselves. Maybe you can make your own wedding invitations, programs, favors, centerpieces, or floral arrangements. Buying the supplies and making them yourself will certainly take more time, but it’s a lot more affordable and will have an even deeper meaning on your special day. But remember that you shouldn’t save on professionals like Calgary wedding photographers who are supposed to make your special day memorable.

Choose the Right Time

Believe it or not, when you get married can have a lot to do with how much it costs. Timing is everything if you want to save a lot of money. For instance, you don’t want to get married during holidays as venues will be limited and everything will cost more. You should also consider the time of day you’re going to get married. If you want to save money, having a brunch wedding and reception costs a lot less than an evening wedding when the food will be more expensive.

Go Digital

Wedding invitations can be pretty expensive. You can save yourself some money on customized invitations and postage by going digital. These days couples do this by creating a wedding website. These websites are pretty affordable and allow you to customize the information you share with your guests about the big day. You can send out invitations, post details about the menu, and even ask for donations to cover the costs of things you really want at your wedding.

Rely on Family and Friends

Last, but not least, if you want to plan a wedding on a budget, don’t forget to rely on family and friends. They have assets and talents that can be put to use. Maybe your mom is a seamstress and she can save you hundreds of dollars by making your wedding dress for you. Perhaps your cousin is good with cameras and you could ask them to be the photographer for the day. Your aunt might make a delicious chicken dinner that you could ask her to prepare instead of hiring a caterer. Your family and friends will be more than happy to step in and help you make your day special.

You and your partner do not need to start off your marriage together in debt. While you want your day to be stylish, elegant, and unique, this can all be done without having to break the bank. As you can see from above, all you need is a bit of creativity, a few helping hands, and a bit of extra time to pull off the wedding of your dreams.

Infographic created by Grown Brilliance, a lab diamond engagement rings provider